The Iliad Summary

Homer's "The Iliad" is an epic poem set during the final weeks of the Trojan War, focusing on the wrath of Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior. The story begins with a dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon, the Greek leader, over the captive woman Briseis. Achilles withdraws from battle in anger, leading to a series of Greek defeats. The narrative interweaves various battles, heroic feats, and the involvement of the gods. Key events include the death of Patroclus, Achilles' close friend, at the hands of Hector, the Trojan prince. Achilles, consumed by grief and rage, returns to battle, kills Hector, and desecrates his body. The poem concludes with Hector's father, King Priam, begging Achilles for his son's body. Moved by Priam's plea, Achilles relents, and the two share a moment of mutual respect and sorrow. "The Iliad" explores themes of honor, fate, and the human cost of war, and it remains a foundational work of Western literature.